Charice impresses concertgoers at ‘David Foster & Friends’ show in San Jose

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Charice impresses concertgoers at ‘David Foster & Friends’ show in San Jose
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David Foster with Charice Pempengco and Josh Groban in the background It was late in the David Foster & Friends concert at the HP Pavilion in San Jose last November 6 when Charice was introduced by the multi-awarded singer, songwriter, producer and talent discoverer.

"I got a call from Oprah," Foster said, as the stage went dim. "And when Oprah calls, you better listen... Here she is… Charice!"

Standing in front of the drums and with the spotlight behind her, Charice sang the first note of Power of Love, popularized by Canadian singer by Celine Dion, and amazed the crowd with the power and vocal ability that came out from her small 17-year-old frame.

A song (Note To God, Charice’s first single), and a medley (songs from the Bodyguard soundtrack) later, Charice did not disappoint. The pint-sized belter was given a standing ovation and was obliged to do come back on stage due to the deafening request from the audience.

"I should have known better than to send you off the stage," David said to her as he settled back on the piano. Charice then sings God Bless America for an encore.

This is not the first time that Charice has performed in the David Foster & Friends concert. In fact, prior to this tour, she had sung in prior shows which featured Peter Cetera, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Brian McKnight and other megastars of the music industry, all of whom owe part of their astounding careers to the songwriting and producing skills of David Foster.

In the latest installment of the David Foster & Friends Tour, aside from Charice, Foster’s guests included Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Deborah Cox, The Canadian Tenors, American Idol finalist Michael Johns, American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken (surprise guest), former Chicago bandmember Peter Cetera, American Idol winner Ruben Stoddard and Cody Carey.

The concert had the audience enthralled every step of the way as Foster introduced each performer and led the musicians in backing up the artists as they performed hit songs associated with David Foster. Only in a few occasions were there songs not associated with the mega-producer, although they were included because David professed a liking for the songs.

Whether it was Bailey crooning After the Love is Gone or jiving to September, Deborah Cox strutting her pipes in Through The Fire, Michael Johns reaching for the highest notes in Man in Motion and the Boz Scaggs identified Love, Look What You’ve Done To Me, Clay Aiken performing his own version of Unchained Melody, Ruben Stoddard doing an R&B infused version of Home, Peter Cetera singing a bunch of hit songs (Hard to Say I’m Sorry, You’re My Inspiration, Hard Habit To Break, If You Leave Me Now), Cody Carey (joined by Karen Lebec) melting everyone’s hearts while singing The Prayer, The Canadian Tenors’ wonderful harmonies in Hallelujah, or Charice’s noteworthy performance, this concert had everyone glued to their seats in anticipation of what was to come after each artist’s performance.